The holiday season is supposed to bring relaxation, family time, and maybe even a well-earned getaway. For many owners, a timeshare feels like the perfect way to guarantee those moments every year. But as the holidays approach, so do scam artists who know this is when people are more distracted, more hopeful, and more willing to believe in a great travel deal.
Timeshare owners and even those simply searching for holiday rentals are increasingly targeted by fraudulent resale offers, fake travel sites, and high-pressure “exit” schemes designed to take advantage of seasonal demand. These scams can drain savings, cause trip cancellations, and leave families stranded when they thought they were heading out on vacation.
What is a timeshare scam?
A “timeshare scam” often involves convincing you to pay an upfront fee, transfer rights, or believe that you’ll receive major benefits. In the end you get little (or nothing) in return. For example, many offers involve strings attached to the transaction:
- Paying money up front for a “buyer already lined up” or “marketing program.”
- Being told you’ll pay for a service now and get results later—and waiting indefinitely with no progress.
- Being approached unsolicited with “too good to be true” offers about selling or renting your interest. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): “Timeshares are hard to sell and only a scammer will tell you they already have a buyer or can find one fast.”
Another key tip from the BBB: “Do Not Pay an Up-front Listing Fee… Legitimate full-service resellers earn their commission at closing.”
Why holidays are a prime time for scams
Holiday travel and vacation ownership naturally increase people’s emotions and spending. During this period, scammers may:
- Push urgency (e.g., “Book now for the holiday week!”)
- Use fake rental or resale offers promising extra income or trade-weeks.
- Target owners who aren’t using their weeks, and offer a quick “exit.”
The BBB warns that fake vacation rental listings and “free” vacation promotions are among the top scams.
Common timeshare scam schemes
Up-front fee resale or exit companies
One of the most common is when you’re told you can get out of your timeshare or sell it—but you must pay thousands of dollars up front. The BBB study notes: “Timeshare exit representatives typically require an upfront fee, which only adds to the cost the owner will incur.”
Fake buyer or broker approach
You might get contacted out of the blue by someone claiming they have a buyer for your timeshare. Then they ask for a “tax”, “transfer cost” or “closing fee” before they’ll finalize the deal. The FTC states:
Vacation rental, bonus points or trade-week traps
As highlighted in the ABC News23 article:
“Vacation rentals: … listings for properties that either aren’t for rent, don’t exist, or are significantly different than pictured.”
Timeshare owners who aren’t using their week may be offered rental opportunities—but if the “manager” asks for a large up-front payment or wires money in advance, caution is required.
Pressured into upgrade or additional purchases
Scammers may tell you you’re not fully “maximizing” your timeshare value unless you buy extra weeks or upgrade now, often with promises of “bigger profits”.
Red flags you should watch for
- You’re asked to pay a fee now (for sales and marketing, transfer or exit help) before any service is delivered.
- Offers come unsolicited (cold-call, email, text) telling you someone wants your timeshare or you must act now.
- The person asks for wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or asks you to keep things secret.
- They promise huge returns or “free” vacations with no clear cost or conditions.
- Their website or company has no reviews, is newly created, or uses typos/poor grammar (common sign of scam).
- They insist you stop paying maintenance fees to your resort or trust them exclusively. (This can get you in legal trouble.)
How to protect yourself against a timeshare scam
- Research the company: Check the BBB at BBB.org, search for complaints, review their rating.
- Never pay a large fee up front. Legitimate services generally take payment only when results are delivered (e.g., closing a sale).
- Confirm licensing: Timeshare resale brokers in many states must be licensed as real-estate brokers.
- Read every contract: Don’t sign anything you don’t fully understand—especially clauses about fees, refunds, and what happens if service is not delivered.
- Maintain communication records: Keep emails, screenshots, and payment receipts. If you suspect fraud later, these may help.
- If you’re selling or renting, go through credible channels—avoid special “secret listings” or escrow services you didn’t verify.
When it’s time to speak with a timeshare attorney
If you believe you’ve been scammed, misled, or face large financial losses because of a timeshare-related transaction, consult a legal professional who specializes in timeshare law. You should speak with an attorney if:
- You paid significant up-front fees and no service was delivered.
- You were promised a resale or exit from your contract and the other party disappeared.
- You are being pressured by your resort or a purported “exit” company to stop paying maintenance fees or transfer ownership without proper documentation.
- You suspect identity theft, impersonation, or that the transaction was fraudulent in nature.
An attorney can help you evaluate contracts, understand your rights, determine whether state law prohibits advance fees, and pursue restitution if warranted.
Final thoughts
Holiday timeshare offers can sound tempting with promises of affordable vacation weeks, rental income, or easy exit options. However, scammers understand that emotional spending and vacation planning can cloud judgment. When you stay alert and ask the right questions, you can protect yourself. The key is simple: never rush, never pay large upfront fees without verification, and keep clear records of every interaction. If something feels off, it probably is.
Disclosure: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult a qualified timeshare attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Led by timeshare attorneys J. Andrew Meyer and Michael D. Finn with over 75 years of combined legal experience. The Finn Law Group is a national consumer protection firm that specializes in Timeshare Law. If you feel you need the services of a timeshare attorney, contact our law firm today at 855-FINN-LAW. Want to learn more on timeshare related issues? Follow us on X, formally Twitter.